Silver metal

A white metallic element, ductile, malleable, has the highest thermal and electric conductivity of any substance. Used for coinage, jewelery , electronic parts and wire. Out of the total world supplies of silver, about 72% is used for monetary purposes. The remander is used in arts, industries, sterling and plated silverware. Smaller amounts are used in chemical, soldering, bearing, and electrical industries.

Sterling Silver Jewelry.why it’s not 100% pure Silver?

Silver has long been used as a means of decorating both home and individuals. In the early days, Silver jewelry was pure silver, and very prone to tarnish, and because of it’s pliable, soft nature silver often lost it’s shape or was easily damaged. Thus, sterling silver was produced. Sterling is .925 pure silver mixed with other metals such as copper and zinc.Sterling Silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. 99.9% silver is called "Fine silver." Sterling components and jewelry made in the USA are often stamped "Sterling." Goods made for international trade are often marked "925" indicating the 92.5% fineness. "Coin" silver is used in some countries and could be marked "900" or "800" depending on fineness.This mixture is much better for making jewelry. Sterling Silver Jewelry is harder and less prone to tarnish. Unless it is covered in Rhodium or another heavy metal, sterling jewelry will still tarnish, but it is very easy to clean and take care of.

How to test sterling silver?

Sterling Silver is very easy to test. Silver plated brass, Nickel Silver or low quality silver alloys will turn green when a drop of Nitric acid is applied. Sterling will turn a creamy color. When testing suspect goods a small file can be used to cut through any plating or lacquer in an unobtrusive part of the item.